The Meaning of Life
Our quest to find the answer
In every village in Africa; in each town in Greece; in each corner of the world; every human being wants to find the secret to living a good life.
Our pilgrimages can take us far and wide; outside and inside. We can use drugs or a Bible but we are all in search to find our purpose.
No one says it better than these two:
“Many people experience a measure of success and satisfaction in their lives or professions. Then over a period of time, they slowly become disillusioned with that success. Some begin to wonder if there is not something more, a deeper meaning, for their lives. They seek greater fulfillment, more balance or, perhaps something beyond themselves. Quite self-sufficient, they often fail to recognize that the struggle may not be simply vocational, but at its core, spiritual. The quest for meaning, balance, and wholeness frequently expresses a need for a relationship with Someone beyond ourselves to give orientation, direction, and meaning to our lives.” – from The Critical Journey, by Janet O. Hagbert and Robert A. Guelich
I am amazed though, in talking with people, how few know of this book: The Critical Journey. Outlined within the pages are the predictable stages and phases of our search. I highly and wholeheartedly recommend this to you. It’s a map of our quest. (See if you can find a used copy at your favorite online bookstore… because it seems to be sold out at the moment)
And it’s not a book you read just once. I read it often. Repetition is the mother of all learning.
During one of our dinners here in Greece, our waiter was 32 years old and as I began to talk with him. I started asking him questions like: Do you like living here? Do you like your work here? He was a joy to talk with and he said he wanted a “good life.” When I asked him to explain what he meant by a good life, he said. “I want a wife, a few kids and a job that pays me well. I don’t want to be rich. I don’t want to be stressed out. I want to enjoy my friends and this beauty.” When he said “beauty” he pointed around the incredible scenery we were enjoying!
So, we had a great conversation about all this on our walk to our room. It made me want to share it with you here.
What is a good life?
What makes up a good life?
Does it change as we age?
I’d be interested in you commenting in short responses. See if you can narrow down the critical ingredients that make a good life and put them in the comments!
Gwen took this photo of my descent into beauty. Our son took us to the most beautiful beach on the isle we visited for the weekend. It’s where she captured our grandson playing on the beach above as well.
Beauty first… we say! Why? Because beauty has a way of restoring us. It doesn’t have to be a Greek beach. But we experience the gifts of beauty as we breathe in the peace of a park, mountain setting or music.
